My first "build"...parts bass with a twist.

[JoshB]

So...I've modified a ton of basses, and decided it was high time I built a bass to my specs that was personalized in a way that I cannot get rid of it. I've been a habitual bass flipper for a few years, but I know what I like and am tired of paying the fedex charges.

I started looking for what I wanted about a year ago, but hadn't ever pulled the trigger on any of the bodies or other parts I wanted for this bass.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago and I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine who started out as a tattoo artist, but has moved on to a more "adult" job, but still needs an outlet for his artist mind. Long story short is that he started customizing guitars he had around by stripping the finish down to the bare wood and using the skills he honed as a tattoo artist, he wood burns designs into the body, seals and finishes them, and I saw exactly what I wanted!

For a sample of his work, check out http://www.gtcustomguitars.com.

So, here's the parts list...

Ash jazz body from All Parts.

Maple/Maple neck with pearl blocks and binding - All Parts. I'm a sucker for blocks and binding! I'll be using a Tusq nut on this.

Gotoh bridge. I like the traditional bent bridge look, but want a little more solid bridge, and I've used these before with awesome success. (http://www.allparts.com/ProductDetai...6-010&CartID=2)

Hipshot HB2 tuners with a BT2 xtender.

Bartolini 9J1 pickups with a passive set up to start. I have an Audere if I absolutely cannot live without active electronics.

As far as the body goes, my buddy is going to be doing old school Sailor Jerry style flash art on the bass. He's also incorporating some specific designs I've chosen, including one of my tattoos that has a very special meaning, which is done in sailor jerry style. I'll be sure to post progress shots as Shelby gets working on the body, as well as complete shots once I get everything together.

[5string5fingers]

Sounds like it's gonna look pretty sweet. Can't wait to see it.

[DerHoggz]

That is sweet.

[JoshB]

I've neglected this thread...but here's some updates...

Shelby started by sending me this photo and we talked about the layout and such:



After I signed off on the layout, Shelby started sketching the designs onto the body:







He started with the biggest and most complex piece on the bass, the ship. First, Shelby began the outline of the ship:



After getting the outline where he wanted it, he began shading. Shelby said that this was the most labor intensive part of the bass, and reminded me often that I owe him some good whiskey when this is all done.







The next piece he worked on was the anchor. Shelby told me that this design was the first thing that he was made to sketch out during his apprenticeship as a tattoo artist. He then did the first nautical star.







Shelby then went to town on the rest of the pieces on the bass, but didn't get any in-progress photos. When he had finished the major pieces, he sent me this picture:



At this stage I was impressed, but I had no clue what was in store...Shelby and I have been friends a long long time and he knows what I like. In this case though, I was unprepared for just how good the final product was going to be. When he sent me the finished picture, I was floored!!



To make it even more special, I have a favorite Sailor Jerry piece I wanted, but since I play at a lot of churches, I couldn't really have on the bass, since the sentiment of it goes against a lot of what I stand for as a christian. Shelby, being Shelby, still made it happen for me.



And here's how it's placed on the body:



He's currently in the process of finishing it, and I should have it in time to get it together for a big show I have New Years Eve. Since the start of the project, I've changed my mind on the bridge and am just going to use a good ol' bent plate for now, and the Barts I had originally planned on using got used in another project, so I have some Sadowsky HC pickups that will go in here instead.

I'll keep updating as more gets done.

[__HM__]

THATS COOL AS HELL. Shame the bridge and control plate have to go on!

[JoshB]

Originally Posted by __HM__

THATS COOL AS HELL. Shame the bridge and control plate have to go on!

Hahaha...I had that thought cross my mind as well!

[Jools4001]

Originally Posted by JoshB

He started with the biggest and most complex piece on the bass, the ship. First, Shelby began the outline of the ship. After getting the outline where he wanted it, he began shading. Shelby said that this was the most labor intensive part of the bass, and reminded me often that I owe him some good whiskey when this is all done.

Yeah, you probably owe him a gall(e)on of whiskey.

[lareamond]

Wow I am in awe. I love tattoo inspired artwork. Subscribed.

[Rickett Customs]

You should get the plate and bridge etched, to continue those nicely done burn in's

[JoshB]

Originally Posted by Rickett Customs

You should get the plate and bridge etched, to continue those nicely done burn in's

That's a great idea!! Do you know of any place off the top of your head where I could find someone to do that?

[lx_night]

cant wait to see the finish product.

[Rickett Customs]

Originally Posted by JoshB

That's a great idea!! Do you know of any place off the top of your head where I could find someone to do that?

I don't know much, however, this might be a direction....


http://www.zycon.com/Products/Etching.html

[Basshappi]

Very cool, looking forward to seeing the finished project!

[JoshB]

Originally Posted by Rickett Customs

I don't know much, however, this might be a direction....


http://www.zycon.com/Products/Etching.html

Thank you sir!

[ddshelden]

for engraving check out http://www.steeltattoos.net/

[xaxxat]

What?

No nekkid wimmens?

[VS]

Originally Posted by xaxxat

What?

No nekkid wimmens?

That thought crossed my mind as well,lol. -Luke

[JoshB]

Originally Posted by xaxxat

What?

No nekkid wimmens?

Yeah...I mostly play at churches, plus, my wife is all the nekkid woman I need.

[JoshB]

The bass is done...here's the final set of photos:



Mock up of the neck to the body.




Look at that nice, tight neck pocket! Woo! "The SUS-STAIN...Listen to it!"




Another look at the neck pocket.




This neck plate is very special to me. Many thanks to Carey for this.




Bridge and strap buttons attached.




I love having a d-tuner again...it's fun!




The rear.




The complete bass!!




I ended up using a set of DiMarzio Ultra Jazz pickups I had, and wired in a series/parallel switch for each pickup for some tonal variety. Tastycakes!




Back of the bass with the Love Thy Neighbor and Shelby's signature. Bam.


All in all, I'm extremely happy with the bass. I got it together in time to use it for a big show on New Years Eve and it performed flawlessly, and I got some great comments about it from the sound guy.

I think I've finally found a bass to stay with me for the long haul, and that's saying something.

Here's a few action shots:

[moonshinegtrs]

That is a very cool & unique bass. Nice Job!

Moonshine